Dayo Johnson, Akure

THE Proprietor of Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, has said that the university was established solely from his personal savings.

Ade-Ojo said this when members of the National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS) conferred on him the honour of Life Patron of the association.

He pointed out that he invested in the university to underscore his commitment to the development of education in the country.

NANS also gave an award of The Private University of the Year (2104)  to the institution, rating it as the best private university in West Africa.

“I am not a politician, but I have friends who are politicians. I don’t have access to public funds and I have not benefited from such funds, “Ade-Ojo said.

“This institution since its inception has received N1billion yearly as support. This institution is a product of my personal savings.

“I pay my taxes, both personal and corporate. I pay the two and half percent education tax, even though I do not benefit from it, despite the fact that I have set up Elizade University.”

He urged the student body to improve on its approach to executing its activities, saying that change was only achievable by youths who know what they are doing.

He thanked NANS for the recognition and  urged them to continue to maintain a high level of integrity and good behavior as leaders of tomorrow.

Speaking on behalf of the leadership of NANS, President of the Senate of the association, Oriyomi Oloyede, said Elizade University was chosen for the award as a result of its pragmatism, well-focused academic programmes, discipline amongst students and the excellent facilities in the university.

According to him, Ade-Ojo was chosen as the Life Patron of the association following his immense contribution to the education sector.

He said the industrialist had touched the lives of members of his community in no small measure and deserves to be recognised.

Oloyede commended Elizade University for making itself relevant within the two years of its operations.